Primary root developing into a long stout taproot. Stem short, unbranched, without adventitious roots, and almost without long fine hairs. Lvs almost fleshy, rosulate, (1)-3-4-(8) cm. × 5-15 mm., lamina spathulate or oblanceolate, tapering gradually into long petiole; tip obtuse, margin sts entire but us. with a few large teeth or auricle-like lobes; lf-hairs short, few-celled, tapering to sharp point, confined to upper side of lf, glab. and hairy lvs sts occurring on same plant; midrib only obvious vein. Scapes us. ═ or > lvs, hairs sparse and spreading or sts dense immediately below spike. Spike 1-4-(7)-fld, fls often shortly pedicellate. Bracts 2-4 mm. long, largest at base of spike, ovate-acuminate, concave, incurved at tip and minutely apiculate, keel broad and indistinct, occ. with a few cilia; sepals c. 3 mm. long, resembling bracts. Corolla-tube short, lobes ovate, c. 1·5 × 1 mm.; anthers c. 1 mm. long, short-tipped; ovules (5)-8-12-(14); capsule c. 3 mm. long, seeds irregularly angular.

2n = 12

Primary root developing into a long stout taproot. Stem short, simple, without adventitious roots, and with few, long, fine hairs. Lvs radical, rosulate; petiole long, broad and flat. Lamina (10)-30-40-(80) × 5-15 mm, spathulate or oblanceolate, almost fleshy; margin sometimes entire but usually with a few large teeth or auricle-like lobes; lf hairs short and scattered, confined to upper side of lf (glabrous and slightly hairy lvs sometimes occurring on same plant); main veins 3 but the 2 lateral ones inconspicuous; base strongly attenuate; apex obtuse. Scapes usually = or > lvs; hairs sparse and spreading or sometimes dense immediately below spike. Spike 1-4-(7)-flowered, ± capitate when several-flowered. Bracts prominent, 2-4 mm long, ovate; apex incurved; keel broad, indistinct, occasionally with a few cilia. Sepals c. 3 mm long, resembling bracts; keel occasionally with a few cilia. Corolla tube short; lobes c. 1.5 × 1 mm, ovate. Capsule c. 3 mm long, subglobose. Seeds 6-8, 1.2-1.5 mm long, irregular.